Nestled in a valley of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, on the edge of the New Mexico Highlands, Cimarron has long been the center of activity in northeastern New Mexico. Several galleries, gift shops, and authentic western apparel stores are located in Cimarron. Philmont Scout Ranch, the largest Scout Ranch in the world and destination for over 20,000 scouts and scouters each summer, is just outside Cimarron. Cimarron Canyon State Park brings visitors from all across the country to hike its trails, fish the Cimarron River, and admire the Palisades towering high above the canyon floor.

Nearby to this ranching and tourism center is the Old Mill Museum built in 1864, Waite Phillips' Villa Philmonte, the Earnest Thompson Seaton Museum, and Kit Carson's home at Rayado. The Sante Fe Trail passed through Cimarron for those interested in following its route. Within easy driving distance of Cimarron is Capulin Volcano National Monument, Eagle Nest Lake, Angel Fire Ski Area, the NRA Whittington Center, and the pristine Valle Vidal unit of the Carson National Forest.